Malé, Maldives – Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced that Covid-19 vaccination has begun for high risk groups between the age of 50 and 55 will start in the greater Malé region today.
The following groups of people are considered as high risk groups and vaccination will be available for these groups from 0900 to 1700 at Social Centre and Hulhumalé vaccination centre as well as from Villimalé Youth Centre between 0900 and 1300.
High risk categories
- Those currently recieving treatment for cancer or have received treatment for cancer less than a year ago
- Those with diabetes
- Those having heart disease or high chances if getting a stroke
- Those having a weak immune system due to a current past medical treatment or disease
- Those having a long term disease related to thoracic cavity
- Those having a Body Mass Index above 40
- Those having Thelesemia or Sickle Cell Anemia
Those who are going to receive the vaccine were instructed to bring in an official identification document, such as their national ID cards, as well as to ensure the following;
- Ensure that there are no signs or symptoms of the virus in the person going to get vaccinated
- Ensure that the individual is not quarantined
- Wear a loose outfit which provides easy access to vaccination site (upper arm area)
- Eat well prior to getting vaccinated
- Carry a water bottle when going for the shot
- Ensure that the recipient is not accompanied by more than one bystander
Although the vaccination process is currently on going in only some regions of the island nation, the campaign will reach out to all parts of the country, with the aim of immunizing the entire population of the country within the upcoming six months.
Despite the ongoing Covid-19 vaccination campaign, experts urge the public to not fall into a false sense of security and remain vigilant by practicing all health and safety measures set in place by the HPA against Covid-19 as the country has entered a third wave and is battling a new variant of the Covid-19 virus confirmed recently.
With the surge in numbers for the total active cases experts have warned that the country’s health care system is becoming overwhelmed, urging everyone to do their part in curbing the spread of the virus, and staying safe.
